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In a dramatic 15-inning clash, Jorge Polanco drove in the decisive score with a base hit to the outfield, clinching a 3-2 win for the home team over the visiting squad in Game 5 of the American League Division Series.

Key Moments in the Extended Game

Luis Castillo, making his first relief appearance in the big leagues, pitched over an inning to secure the victory, sending his team to the AL Championship Series for the first time in over two decades.

The Mariners will now face the Blue Jays for the pennant in a contest between 1977 expansion brethren. The series opener is set for Sunday in Toronto.

15th Inning Breakthrough

• The leadoff hitter initiated the bottom of the last inning with a line-drive single to the outfield.
• Randy Arozarena was hit by a pitch, putting players on first and second.
• After a teammate flied out, a fielding mistake by the center fielder allowed Crawford to take third.
• Following an strategic base on balls, the batter singled on a full count to end the game.

Scoring Highlights and Pitching Efforts

Kerry Carpenter provided all of the visitors' scoring with a home run in the middle frames.

The Mariners evened the score at 2-2 in the later inning on a substitute batter's run-scoring hit.

Both teams posed a danger multiple times in extra innings, with the home team hitting into inning-ending double plays in both the 12th and 13th.

Opening Hurlers Battle

The Tigers' ace and George Kirby engaged in a pitchers' duel in the early innings.

The left-hander, a pitching honor favorite, gave up a single score on two hits with no walks and double-digit K's over six innings. He established a playoff mark with back-to-back K's.

The only run occurred in the early going, when a two-base hit, theft, and sacrifice fly scored a run for the Mariners.

The Mariners' pitcher opened with shutout frames before surrendering a lead-off double in the middle inning. After a pitching change, Carpenter went deep on a fastball to give Detroit the lead.

The starter went over five frames and was charged with one run on three hits with zero free passes and six strikeouts.

This victory marks a major achievement for the Seattle franchise, who advance to battle for a spot in the World Series after a long postseason absence.